Issue 227:
– Monthly Webinar Series
– News & Research
– ABLE Act Column

529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: The goal of the 529 Dash is to address the specific needs and concerns of institutions, advisers and financial professionals who sell and service families and employers in the education financial planning process by creating and sharing industry relevant news, product training and best practices, while also building awareness and understanding of the importance of 529s, ABLE accounts and education financial planning.

Please Read, Engage and Share.

Paul Curley, CFA
Director of Savings Research
529 & ABLE Solutions, ISS Market Intelligence
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

529 Year-End Planning & Recap (December 9th): 

Here is what you need to know from stories, research and data released this week:

• ISS Insights, “Deutsche Borse acquires leading governance, ESG data and analytics provider ISS.” Editor’s Take: Deutsche Börse to acquire majority stake in Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) in partnership with current management and Genstar Capital.
• Global Banking & Finance Review, “CollegeInvest’s matching programs grant program adds value to college savings of low and middle-income families.” Editor’s Take: Congrats to CollegeInvest on launching the program, and thanking you for reinforcing the perspective that families of all income levels can save and save efficiently for education.
• Education Dive, “Colleges’ return to online classes complicates student housing.” Editor’s Take: The article takes the perspective that refunds for housing is not likely to take place this college year as did happen last year. Either way, do remember that college payments made with 529 funds that get refunded have 60 days from date of refund to get recontributed back into the 529 account to avoid a 10% early distribution penalty (Source: IRS Publication 970 on page 58). 
• 529 Insiders, “3Q 2020 529 and ABLE Market Sizing Highlights.” Editor’s Take: What was the 529 market sizing as of 3Q 2020? Click the link to learn more.
• ISS Market Intelligence, “529 Distribution Analysis 2020.” Editor’s Take: ISS MI has created a landing page for the upcoming release of the 529 Distribution Analysis 2020, which is a subscription-based report that includes data, analysis and insight from a new proprietary survey of financial advisers fielded in November 2020. Request more information in the link.
• Plansponsor, “What happens when student loan payment deferral ends?” Editor’s Take: College financial planning employer benefits are on the rise, and click the link to learn more.

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for certain individuals with disabilities and their families. 
News, Research, Data & Resources:

• YouTube, “ABLE accounts community conversations with Massachusetts and Ohio ABLE programs.” Editor’s Take: Thank you Massachusetts and Ohio for creating and sharing an educational two-hour video highlighting a number of resources, insight and trends on ABLE accounts. Watch, learn and grow.
• ABLEnow, “Introducing the ABLEnow mobile app.” Editor’s Take: Congrats to ABLEnow for launching the ABLE industry’s first mobile app. The app is supported by PNC and available in the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android devices. Users can do a number of functions including check balances, make contributions and distributions, upload receipts, view statements and contact customer service, and click to learn more.
• 529 Insiders, “3Q 2020 529 and ABLE Market Sizing Highlights.” Editor’s Take: What was the ABLE market sizing as of 3Q 2020? Click the link to learn more.

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